Crystal Harris opens up about regrets over Hugh Hefner marriage

Crystal Harris has candidly admitted she regrets marrying late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, saying she mistakenly believed the relationship would give her value and a sense of accomplishment.

The 39-year-old shared the emotional reflection in a video posted on Instagram, opening up about her marriage to Hefner, whom she wed in 2012. The media mogul died in 2017 at the age of 91.

"Do I regret marrying Hugh Hefner? Of course I do," Harris said in the video.

She explained that, in her mid-20s, she believed marrying one of the world's most famous men meant she had "finally made it" and that it gave her worth.

Harris also said she regrets spending years diminishing herself to fit into Hefner's world, remaining silent instead of speaking up and losing sight of who she was while trying to survive the environment around her.

According to Harris, it took years for her to fully understand the reality of the situation.

She also addressed the public image that followed her after Hefner's death, saying many people expected her to remain "the grateful young wife" and "the lucky girl."

"But I'm done living in that story," she said, adding that publicly acknowledging her regrets was "one of the most honest things" she has ever done.

Despite her comments, Harris stressed that she does not define her life solely by regret.

She said she remains grateful for the person she became after those experiences, even though she wishes she had made different choices.

Harris, who married James Ward in April, has previously spoken about rebuilding her life following Hefner's death.

Her latest remarks prompted a public response from comedian Jon Lovitz, a longtime friend of Hefner who attended the couple's wedding.

In the comments section of Harris' post, Lovitz questioned whether she also regretted the financial support Hefner provided, including a home he purchased for her after his death and other benefits she received during and after their marriage.